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New Biomass Energy acquires Solvay’s interest in torrefaction plant

Bioenergy International

Pellets & Solid Fuels

October 4, 2016

New Biomass Energy (NBE) has acquired Solvay’s interest in the idled Solvay Biomass Energy (SBE) torrefied wood pellet plant in Quitman, Mississippi. Plans to continue production with initial start-up to supply torrefied wood for a test burn in Boardman, Oregon.

US-based torrefaction technology developer New Biomass Energy (NBE) has announced that it has acquired Solvay’s interest in the Solvay Biomass Energy (SBE) torrefied wood pellet plant in Quitman, Mississippi. SBE was a joint venture formed in 2014 between Solvay Energy Services and New Biomass Holding to focus on the development of torrefied wood pellets and industrial-scale production. The plant was idled by SBE in July this year.

NBE plans to continue the production of torrefied biomass with initial production at the Quitman plant to supply 2 000 to 3 000 tons of torrefied wood for a test burn at Portland General Electric’s plant in Boardman, Oregon later this autumn. The company is looking for opportunities to expand the business with a current focus on development in the US as well as exploring additional uses for the torrefied material in alternative markets such as composite materials and agriculture.

– Our top priority is bringing the material to market in the United States. Torrefied pellets offer an extremely compelling renewable energy solution for existing coal-fired facilities looking to reduce their CO2 emissions. We also look forward to working with interested partners on the alternative uses of the material, which offer substantial potential for growth, said Neal Smaler, President of New Biomass Energy in a statement.